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On being an adult.

I can tell you I didn't think it the first time I made a paycheck, or the first time I had a period, or had sex. I didn't feel it when I turned 13 or 16 or 18 or 21. Or 25. Or 30. Jeez.

I felt it a little the day I cast my first ballot. I felt it a little when I did my own taxes for the first time. And when I moved out of my parents house. And when I got Lola. Went on my first business trip.

And when I got engaged, got married, moved to Nashville, changed my name...

When Dad has his heart attack, and I helped find his rehab facility. When I had to have Lola euthanized.

And on it goes.

What I'm saying is that I've grown up in increments, over a lifetime.

I remember thinking, as a kid, that when I was grown up, it would be awesome, because I would be able to eat cookie dough for dinner if I wanted to.

Oh my, my. Oh, Hell yes!

It's been a good while since I've done that, to be honest with you.

And there's still plenty of childhood left in my life. We play almost as much as we work, and I nap plenty.

But I also step up and do the right thing for the people in my life when I have to - even if the right thing isn't the easy thing. Usually the right thing isn't as easy - that's one thing I've learned as a quasi adult.

Here's the thing, though - I'm happy. I'm actually a productive member of society - a good worker, wife, daughter and friend.

No, I don't have kids, and thanks, but I don't want them. Another dog, yes, please! But not soon.

I make good money, I pay my bills and I am charitable.

I have friends and a fun social life, but I take time to reflect and I enjoy my alone time, too.